MFS62

Everything written about Rosario says he is a top half of the order kind of hitter. Everything, that is, except whatever Terry read before he made out that lineup. IIRC, he doesn't start a player high in the order in that player's first game. But Rosario seems to be a player who would make Terry change his mind. I also wonder, was the spelling of his name in the thread title a clever acknowledgement of his position in the batting order? If so, kudos. Later

Another reason why there should be no DH - Nelson Cruz. Later

RIP, Lee. I rooted for you when you played on the Reds. You and Tony Perez were a powerful pair of bookends in that infield when the manager tried to play one at first and the other third. Later

There went Montero's string of decent starts. But a win is a win for our boys. Later

Sandy loves his releivers as much as Trump loves his tweets. This is a head scratcher. Later

OK. I see your point. I didn't realize there were other comic based serials. I checked the list of all serial movies a few months ago and don't remember any superhero ones. Of course, I wasn't looking for them at the time. BTW - I was a Captain Marvel fan more than any DC hero fan. At least we agree on something. Later

He's got the Pedro Martinez grimace thingy down pretty well, too. Later

Dominic Smith is in the lineup for Las Vegas tonight. Last time I checked, he was 2-2. Later

bmfc1 wrote: Crap... TJ Rivera to the DL with a partial tear of the UCL in his right elbow. That makes me sad. Later

see selection criteria: theatrical features only; no serials or tv series. it's a different challenge (and arguably easier) to adapt a comic book series into the episodic chapter/based storytelling format of serials and tv, and so not quite comparable. Same thing with adapting them into animated films/series. But they were originally released in theaters, when $.25 would get you the next chapter of the serial, cartoons, coming attractions and a double feature. They kept the kids coming back every week. Just because they're (to use your word) "easier" doesn't mean they aren't valid representatives of the superhero comic-to-cinema theme. They were filmed as complete movies, with the story beginning in episode 1 and continuing to the end of the final episode. They had pretty elaborate sets and special effects for those pre-CGI days. The fact that they were released in weekly segments was exactly how their fans had been introduced to them in the Sunday papers or comic books. It was a natural transition. Not all serials qualify because the heroes weren't super (e.g.- Gene Autry's Radio Ranch, Don Winslow of the Navy. Ace Drummond, and Tim Tyler's Luck) nor did they originate in comic format. But I think a case can be made that the Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers films should qualify. They flew into space to save the world (or universe) from evil. Also- they were later re-released in non-serialized form as complete movies. You might rate them down at the bottom of the list, but they do belong on it as much as the DeLaurentis feature you did include. Later

The early discussions over what song his name evoked. Was is Camptown Races? DO-DA DO-DA, or from Song of the South? ZIP-A-DEE DOO-DAH ? I preferred the second. Later

Nimmo and Walker to join the team today. No Smith sighting yet. I'm guessing its because room will have to be made on the 40 man roster and may depend on some more moves before that can happen. Later

Frayed Knot wrote: Is (SD pitcher) Phil Maton's car an automaton? Only if it is self-driving. Later

Lefty Specialist wrote: Ugh. Flexen wearing the dreaded Akeel Morris #64. Let's hope he fares better. Earlier today, I read that Morris was the last pitcher to be brought up to the Mets without spending any time at AAA. (Don't remember where I read it.) Later

Pomodoro is the Italian word for "tomato". Joe Schultz in Italy: 'Hey there blondie, how's your ol' pomodoro' Nice Ball Four reference. No TJ in the starting lineup? Didn't Terry learn anything last night? Later

The debates over who was better, Davis or Duda, and the long home runs. Later

Dom Smith was not in the starting lineup for Las Vegas tonight. Later

From MLB.com's minor league scouting report: Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45 Smith had an inconsistent career at Dallas Baptist, but the Tigers, who originally drafted him, don't shy away from plus arm strength when they see it. It's come slowly, with injuries slowing him down some, but the right-hander has proven to be an effective relief prospect in his first year-plus as a pro. In late April, Smith was dealt to the Rays as the PTBNL, completing the January trade that had sent Mikie Mahtook to Detroit. Smith is largely a fastball/breaking ball short reliever. His heater will sit comfortably in the 92-95 mph range, and he can reach back for more, all from a clean and easy delivery. He'll show an above-average curveball at times with really good snap to it, but not consistently. Smith doesn't throw his changeup enough, and he'll need to improve his feel for the pitch and use it more in the future, though he did make strides as a strike-thrower in his second full season. That he dealt with some minor arm issues early in his career ended talk about perhaps seeing how Smith would fare in a rotation. He has all the ingredients to be an effective short reliever, with a ceiling of a future setup man. Later

Hey Abaatttt! "Who's on first"? Later

Hansel seems to have gotten his groove thing back. (Maybe that's not a good word for a pitcher. Make that his effectiveness.) Later

Lefty Specialist wrote: So, what's the injury going to be this time? Forearm tightness? Butterflies in stomach? Wrenched ankle? The vapors. Later

What about the Flash Gordon and (there was one) Buck Rogers serial films? Same bad acting, different rockets. High camp before there was camp. Later

Looks like Stephen Matz fed his gopher before the game. Later

Here's a guy I think deserved some HOF support. (I might have mentioned him before) https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsbo01.shtml His OPS+ of 139 and his career 55 OWAR should put him in the conversation. Unfortunately, he played in an era when voters looked at a .300 career BA as a requirement for serious HOF consideration. I first noticed him when the late John Brittain of BP wrote about him. And he seems to compare very well with some of the players on the list in the article Edgy provided. I'd like to see the Veterans Committee take another look at his career, Later

Edgy MD wrote: The Cabrera deal can't possibly be telegraphed any more. Other than the team changing the name on the back of his uniform to "make us an offer", you're probably right. Later